About our 2019 Conference
This conference was of high strategic importance as it came at a time when African trade agreement and sub-regional economic integration were being discussed at the National level. This conference had the following objectives:
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1
Identify and resolve inhibitors
To identify and resolve the inhibitors to sustainable SME development and regional trading with the view of linking regional trade integration and development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s)
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2
Discuss policy framework
To discuss and agree on the needed policy frameworks, legal regimes, trade agreements, the role and engagement of relevant stakeholders in building a common market in the West African region.
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3
Discuss challenges & opportunities
To provide a platform for discussion on the current position of SMEs, their activities, mode of operation, key challenges encountered, opportunities identified and the way forward.
Conference structure
The conference had two main components:
I. Identifying and understanding of the role of stakeholders in creating an enabling environment for SMEs.
II. Practical positioning and action plan towards the development of SMEs for regional trade integration.
Conference set-up
The two-day IBD annual conference consisted of an opening session, plenary sessions and discussion group sessions.
Furthermore, there was a session for all the participants to share their experiences, challenges and achievements towards regional trade integration and development of SMEs.
Conference schedule
This schedule was as follows:
Registration
SESSION 1: Opening
Introduction of Participants
National Anthem
Welcome Address
Goodwill Messages
Opening Address
Presentation of an overview on the business environment in Nigeria, regional trade and economic integration.
Overview of The IBD
Presentation of conference objectives, expected outcome and agenda
Selection and presentation of rapporteurs and establishment of the Communique drafting Group
Keynote Address
TOPIC: Linking Regional Trade Integration with the development of SMEs
Tea Break
Masterclass
Topic: Financial Resiliency: The Steps to Financial Recovery
Panel Discussions, Q & A, Comments from participants.
First Paper
TOPIC: Understanding the dynamics, politics and demands of globalization and its effects on the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.
Lunch
Closing & departure
First Paper
Topic: Developing appropriate trade and investment policies for SMEs in a regional market.
Tea Break
Second Paper
Topic: Barriers for developing SME synergies in the regional market
Panel Discussions, Q & A, Comments from participants.
Masterclass
Topic: A Guide to Take the Weirdness Out of Retirement
Closing, Communique & Departure.
Lunch
Dinner/Award/Presentation
Conference Speakers
Highly qualified & competent personalities that spoke at the conference.
Dr. Emeka Okengwu
Speaker
Dr. Yima Sen
Speaker
Prof Ken Ife
Speaker
Conference Sponsors
The following organizations were sponsors of the 2019 Annual IBD Conference.
